Long-awaited sewerage works set to begin in Tullamore after years of public health hazards
The work will begin later this year
After years of enduring raw sewage spilling onto footpaths and roads, residents of Convent View and Callary Street in Tullamore have finally received long-overdue news.
Critical sewerage system upgrades are scheduled to begin in the second half of this year, with completion expected by the end of 2026.
For a long number of years, residents living in the area have contended with unsanitary and distressing conditions, particularly during heavy rainfall, when toilet paper and human waste were frequently visible on public footpaths. The issue has repeatedly been raised at council and municipal district meetings, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Uisce Eireann has now confirmed the project is in the ''detailed design stage'' in an email to local Fianna Fail Councillor Declan Harvey, the utility company outlined its commitment to documenting all flooding events in the area to ensure proper national prioritisation of the works.
''Following a workshop held with councillors on the 17thFebruary , Uisce Eireann held an internal meeting with all relevant stakeholders regarding Convent View'' the correspondence read. ''The purpose was to emphasise the importance of properly documenting all flooding events relating to this issue''
Councillor Declan Harvey, who has long championed the cause alongside Barry Cowen MEP and Tony McCormack TD, expressed satisfaction that pressure from local representatives had accelerated the timeline. ''Residents were initially told it would be 2028,'' he said.''But with some pressure, that's now been brought forward. I've spoken to some of the residents and they were delighted.''
While he welcomed the long-awaited progress, Cllr Harvey voiced disappointment that the works were not aligned with recent council activity on the grand canal greenway. ''It was a serious health and safety issue. It impacted the park run, people walking on the footpath and children going to school. A solution is now in sight and I welcome it at long last.''